This man's heart was in the right place, but I don't think he really thought his actions through all the way. In a way I understand, I am the first one to want to help an animal in need. However, when it is a wild animal that is known to potentially carry rabies, I think I would keep my distance. This man had no such fear and bravely rescued a raccoon off the side of the road. Little did he know, it was a rabid raccoon. He found out soon enough after it bit his face.
Rabid Raccoon Bites Man In The Face
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A man in Georgia was just trying to be a good citizen. The Chattahoochee Nature Center Wildlife Rehabilitation (CNC) shared details of its encounter with this wild animal. In a Facebook Post, they shared that the man found the injured raccoon "vocalizing in the road." AKA, meaning the poor baby was probably crying out in pain and carrying on.
The man clearly felt bad for the distressed animal and decided to help. He went over to it and wrapped it in his coat. Then, he proceeded to hold it against his chest as he drove for over an hour to CNC. While the rabid raccoon may have been thankful at first, that gratitude soon shifted to fear. The CNC shared that "during the drive, the raccoon freed its head and bit the finder on the face and hands."
Rather than immediately rush to the hospital, this man still had one main focus: to save the raccoon. Therefore, he took the creature home, wrapped the raccoon in a blanket with duct tape, and then continued to the CNC." Now that is dedication if I ever saw it.
An Unfortunate End
When he arrived at the Wildlife Clinic, he informed them of all that had transpired. Workers secured the rabid raccoon into a kennel and insisted that the man be checked at the local hospital. Despite the man's best efforts to save the raccoon, because it had bitten him, the wildlife officials agreed it needed to be euthanized and tested for rabies.
Unfortunately for the man, less than 48 hours later, the facility was informed that the raccoon had tested positive for rabies. After sharing the event, the organization shared some key takeaways for educational purposes.
- Wild animals are not like your domesticated pets. They do not vocalize when they are in pain or distress, because this could attract predators. If you see a wild animal vocalizing, do not approach it.
- They also share that it is "imperative to ensure a rehabilitator is licensed for the type of animal you have. Rehabilitators cannot legally accept animals for treatment not covered by their state and federal licensing."
- Be honest and truthful when asked for information.
- "Rabies in humans has a >99% fatality rate without treatment, and post-exposure vaccinations must be started within 48-72 hours of exposure."
- Please assess the situation before attempting to capture or save wildlife. "While the finder's heart was in the right place, he put himself, his family, CNC's staff, volunteers, and visitors, the GWN transporter, and the staff of Bells Ferry all at risk."
